(Please note: For a much deeper dive into the following subjects, please see articles published in the May 9 and May 16 editions of the Acton Exchange.)
May 15, Acton Senior Center: A small and inquisitive audience peppered Town Manager John Mangiaratti with questions at the monthly Java with John meeting. But he started by noting that the recent Town Meeting was the smoothest-running one he’d ever attended.
Two of the articles approved at that meeting concerned improvements to Town Hall: Replacing the HVAC system, and removing and renovating the bell tower, which, in addition to preserving its integrity, should have all four clock faces showing the same time. However, the building will have to be vacated for a year, causing inconvenience to employees and residents. Temporary locations could include the now-vacant Conant School, or the Recreation Department building.
Mangiaratti mentioned the impact of two other Town Meeting nods: Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, for Insulet Corporation, which has invested $100,000,000 in their existing facility; and the zoning changes that will hopefully encourage new businesses to locate here. TIF has been used only three times in the last ten years.
Other town properties updates:
- The Asaph Parlin House needs just one more amenity to be completed, according to Mangiaretti.
- The Woodlawn Chapel has been upgraded with new, vintage-looking granite for its entrance, and will be open soon.
- McManus Manor, a new 40-unit housing development on Main Street, is getting solar panels installed on its roof and should be open by summer.
- The new dog park, down the road from MacManus Manor, is finished and will have a ribbon-cutting shortly.
- The River Street park is in search of a name; see the link to the Community Survey.
- The West Acton firehouse: Responding to an audience question about possibly incorporating the historic station on Windsor Ave. into the West Acton Citizens’ library, Mangiaratti said the trustees have not mentioned it yet, and his personal preference would be to find a use for the Morrison Farm property, now vacant for twenty years.
Roads and traffic
The Kelley’s Corner project is wrapping up this summer, with the sidewalks almost done, and about 80 trees and shrubs will be planted. One resident expressed concern about safety when traffic-calming islands prevent a vehicle from pulling to the right when emergency vehicles approach.
The Prospect Street intersection re-do generated some comments about a confusing layout, but the Manager acknowledged that there will be trade-offs with any project. As for proposed rotaries at routes 2A/27, and near the Acton Medical facility, the Select Board was not in favor. Also, Rte. 62 will get additional curb cuts and ramps to make it more accessible, helped by a $1,000,000.00 state Complete Streets grant.
The Concord Rotary: Mangiaratti attended a May 11 meeting in Concord with state officials to explore four or five alternatives to the rotary, including a bridge, similar to the Crosby’s Corner project. The officials also discussed new uses for the old prison buildings, including housing and retail.
Grants
The Manager mentioned $24,000,000 in grant money coming Acton’s way in the next six years, allowing the town to keep as much as possible in its capital reserves. The various town departments will write their own grant applications.
Independence celebration (July 2)
In lieu of fireworks this year, the town will offer a laser light show and other events at NARA Park; more details were discussed at the May 18 Select Board meeting.
